Schwartz led Detroit to a 7-9 record in 2013 after starting the season 6-3. The Lions went 4-12 a season earlier, coming off their lone playoff berth in Schwartz's five season. In the other four years, the team finished under .500.

Jim Schwartz. (AP Photo)

"I'd certainly like to be back," Schwartz said Sunday after the Lions lost 14-13 to the Vikings. The loss typified a lackluster season, as Detroit blew a fourth-quarter lead for the sixth time in seven games.

Schwartz becomes the fourth coach fired on Black Monday, the day following the NFL regular season when coaching staff and front-office changes come in bunches.